Series References

Norman: "When I was in foster care, no one ever called me by my real name, just nicknames---like 'Stormin' Norman,' 'Borman,' 'Kid in bed number 5.'" - From Paris With Love

Norman: "My name is Norman....Norman Xavier Dorman." - From Paris With Love

﻿XavierA complex phrase, in the context of the series "owns a new house" encompasses anything relating to family or the concept of home, directly associated to Norman in some way.

Shane: "We'll keep him." - To Whom It May Concern

Norman: "I guess whoever did it wanted to make it seem like a real family lived here." - For Christmas

Norman: "Do we all have to move here?" - Impossible Dream

Real Life References

As a history major in college who took a class on war and strategy, "Stormin' Norman" perked up my ears. Lo and behold, it was the nickname of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf who apparently "command[ed] the U.S.-led international coalition that drove Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait in 1991." Much like Norman Dorman, Schwarzkopf wasn't a huge fan of the nickname.

﻿Impact

For so many reasons Norman Xavier Dorman stands out---from his shy, sweet demeanor to his overflowing wealth of knowledge in a variety of subjects. He is also unique in that he's the only character whose middle name, Xavier, has been revealed in the series. And, when analyzed, it's that piece of Norman that truly taps into who he is and what he values.

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Norman is the embodiment of all our needs for unconditional love, acceptance and general belonging. His name "Norman Xavier" is both the question of, and answer for, this need---let me explain.

By definition, Norman means, "man of the north." It suggests no particular association, no origin, no lineage from which to draw. Paired with Xavier (owns a new house), the "man of the north" lays claim to something---a new home, one where the association of its inhabitants can be whatever the man of the house makes it to be. This, in every sense, describes Norman and the relationships and associations he creates with those around him.

One of many "cousins."

While a well-known fact now, remember that we didn’t start the series knowing Norman was adopted. That means, up until "A Hope & A Future," all of Norman’s references to cousins could have merely been construed as descending from a large family, supported by the appearance of two of Norman’s cousins (in “Something Good” and “The Treasure Box”) both of whom shared a with Norman a potential family resemblance.

But that assumption is complicated by Norman’s reference to Cornell as his cousin, with whom, it's later revealed, he spent time in foster care. Knowing now that he’s adopted, it makes Norman’s “cousin” designations seemingly indistinguishable from one another. This is significant because it demonstrates one of the ways Norman created familial connections between himself and others throughout his entire life.

Even as Norman found his forever family and met his biological grandmother, the connections he was most outspoken about preserving were those forged with Rita, Oliver and Shane, and his chosen home, the DLO. This is best demonstrated in the scenes with Shane included in the video.

A connection made.

﻿Shane’s remark, “Yeah, we’ll keep him,” is a verbal representation of the value she has placed on her relationship and connection to Norman---an act that seems to deeply touch him. As a result, Norman’s plea to Shane inFrom Paris With Love is less about the “POstables” and more about the connection severed---and family broken---by her seemingly imminent departure. The wounded look on his face says it all.

There are also times when others reaffirmed familial connection to Norman. One of those instances is in For Christmas, when, upon seeing the personalized stockings for the first time, Norman comments that someone must have wanted it to seem like “a real family lived [there].” Rita doesn’t hesitate to reply, “a family does.” It seems that even as Norman strove to make familial connections, he was hesitant to assume that the association was mutual. That is, until we get to Impossible Dream, where Norman not only assumes he will be asked to move to D.C., but begins making special requests of the to-be constructed retirement home! What is a cyclotron, anyway?

Norman Xavier Dorman is so much more than just a name or a character. He is the embodiment of our universal desire to connect and be connected with. For Norman, this is illustrated by his desire for family, and the ways he negotiates and fulfills that need by assigning those around him a place in the family he creates for himself.

I don't know about you, but I think we're off to a pretty good start with this whole name thing!

This is so well-done, Chandel-- both the text and the video! I was struck by the fact that Norman's middle name, the part about himself that he usually avoided sharing with others, holds the key to his character. How often is it true that we humans hide the very part of ourselves that is actually our greatest asset?

Reply

Crissy Loughridge

1/26/2016 06:15:25 pm

This is fantastic! I was just watching "Time to Start Livin" and Norman tells the little lady who collects stamps that "I used to sell stamps...until Oliver said I had special gifts and brought me to the Dead Letter Office". It struck me that Oliver saw something special in Norman from the very beginning...Norman's family began to build around him that day :)

Just had to write to say that the "What's In A Name" series is not only remarkable and well-written, but terrifically gratifying. It's really wonderful to see that all the "little" touches, such as choice of names for our Postables, are being recognized as more than touches but as cornerstones. I can't wait to see what you make of Norman the Viking setting sail to unknown worlds in "From The Heart!" Blessings to all...Martha

There are almost no words for how incredible it is to know that you stopped by A&D and took the time to read through the blogs. You don't waste a breath in this series and it's a privilege to have the opportunity to spend time with the episodes/films and see all the work you've put into it.

Thank you for the kind words! I certainly look forward to seeing where our Norman's journey takes him next--and what it means for the story!